10 Jul 2026
Mark Hansberger Proposes $500 Million Lakeside Casino Resort in Steuben County
Indiana property developer and realtor Mark Hansberger has put forward a detailed plan for a $500 million casino resort on Walters Lake in Steuben County, marking the first public proposal since state lawmakers authorized a new northeastern Indiana gaming license. The project includes a 400-room hotel along with restaurants, entertainment venues, and family attractions designed to draw visitors year-round.
Project Details and Location Advantages
The proposed resort sits on Walters Lake, where existing tourism already draws crowds for boating, fishing, and visits to nearby Pokagon State Park, and the development seeks to build on those assets by creating attractions that operate in all seasons rather than relying solely on summer visitors. Hansberger's plan emphasizes integration with the local landscape, positioning the casino as an addition that complements rather than replaces the area's recreational offerings.
Supporters point to the site's accessibility and natural appeal as key factors that could extend visitor stays and encourage repeat trips throughout the year, while the inclusion of family attractions aims to broaden the demographic beyond traditional casino patrons.
Legislative Background and Timeline
House Bill 1038 paved the way for this license by authorizing one new gaming facility in northeastern Indiana, and the proposal now enters a structured approval process that begins with a public referendum. Voters in Steuben, Allen, or DeKalb counties will decide the question in November 2026, after which the Indiana Gaming Commission will review bids and select the winning applicant.
The timeline places the referendum more than two years after the initial proposal surfaced, giving communities time to examine economic projections and potential impacts before casting ballots, while the commission's subsequent selection process adds another layer of regulatory review.
Economic Projections and Job Creation
Figures attached to the proposal estimate the creation of 800 to 1,200 jobs during construction and ongoing operations, alongside annual local gaming tax revenue between $14 million and $17 million once the facility reaches full capacity. These numbers come from analyses that factor in the area's existing tourism base and the resort's planned mix of gaming, lodging, and entertainment options.
Local tax revenue would flow to county and municipal governments, providing funds that officials could direct toward infrastructure, public services, or tourism promotion, while job estimates include positions in hospitality, gaming operations, food service, and maintenance across the property.
Next Steps in the Approval Process
Following the November 2026 referendum, the Indiana Gaming Commission will evaluate competing bids against criteria that include financial strength, operational experience, and community benefit commitments, and only one license will be awarded under the terms of House Bill 1038. Hansberger's proposal now sits among the early entries in what could become a competitive field once other developers review the referendum outcome.
Community meetings and public comment periods are expected to occur ahead of the vote, giving residents in the three affected counties opportunities to ask questions about traffic, water usage, and workforce development plans before ballots are cast.
Conclusion
The proposal represents the opening move in a multi-year process that will determine whether Steuben County hosts Indiana's newest casino resort, with the November 2026 referendum serving as the first major public test of local support. Economic projections, site advantages, and the legislative framework established by House Bill 1038 now shape the discussion as stakeholders prepare for the decisions ahead. According to reports covering the announcement, the coming months will likely bring additional details on design, financing, and community partnerships as the project advances toward the referendum stage.